A comprehensive review by the U.S. Coast Guard of the actions taken by Shell oil company when its Kulluk drilling rig ran aground in Alaska last year has found that the company did move the vessel in part due to tax considerations, and that the crew in charge of towing the drilling vessel expressed “blunt” concerns about the dangers posed by towing the vessel in such weather at that time of year. The report also details multiple failures to inspect or verify the towing equipment, lack of attention to alarm systems, and major mechanical failures that led to engines shutting down.

Following the grounding of the Kulluk, Senator Markey, who was then the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, raised numerous questions about Shell’s reasons to move the rig at that time, including whether perceived financial incentives to move the rig before January 1, 2013 to avoid paying taxes trumped safety considerations.

“This report shows that Shell ran through every single safety and common sense red light in moving this rig because of financial considerations. This kind of behavior should raise major red flags for any future Arctic drilling plans,” said Senator Markey, a member of the Senate Commerce and Environment Committees. “Shell should be held accountable for its reckless behavior.”